Plants and animals live all around us and each one has the same life needs. Students will explore Shenandoah National Park to discover the different plants and animals that live in the park. Students will investigate how, where, and why plants and animals meet their life needs in their respective environments and how Shenandoah National Park provides protection for plants and animals. Students will evaluate human and environmental impacts to consider and practice stewardship behaviors that support a healthy environment.

Objectives

Following the park experience and classroom activities, the students will be able to

1. describe the life needs of plants and animals (air, food, water, and a suitable place to grow and live);

2. identify the four functional parts of a plant (roots, stem, leaves, and flowers) and identify all structures the plant uses to meet its life needs;

3. name three different kinds of animals that live in Shenandoah National Park and describe how specific physical characteristics help animals move, find homes, and obtain food;

1.5 The student will investigate and understand that animals, including people, have life needs and specific physical characteristics and can be classified according to certain characteristics. Key concepts include